The FIA has opened registrations for the 2026 FIA GT World Cup, which will bring leading GT3 drivers and manufacturers back to the Guia Circuit in Macau from 19–22 November.
This year’s event will also introduce a new Silver Cup, giving emerging drivers dedicated recognition while they compete alongside established Gold and Platinum-rated professionals.
Teams and drivers can submit applications until 17 July for the ninth running of the event.
Silver Cup creates a new opportunity in Macau
The FIA GT World Cup has traditionally attracted some of the world’s leading professional GT drivers. However, organisers will expand the event’s competitive structure in 2026 by introducing a classification for Silver-rated competitors.
The new Silver Cup will recognise the highest-finishing Silver driver during the Macau weekend. Furthermore, the class winner will receive a separate podium ceremony, giving the category a distinct place within the event.
Organisers have also created a total prize fund of USD 22,000 for Silver Cup competitors. Through this initiative, the championship aims to highlight drivers who seek to establish themselves at the highest level of international GT competition.
Emerging drivers gain access to an elite stage
The new category will allow Silver-rated drivers to measure themselves directly against Gold and Platinum-rated rivals.
As a result, emerging competitors can demonstrate their speed, consistency and racecraft in front of manufacturers, teams and an international audience. They will also gain experience on one of the most demanding street circuits in motor racing.
Macau places drivers under constant pressure through its combination of narrow roads, high-speed sections, technical corners and unforgiving barriers. Therefore, a strong performance at the Guia Circuit can significantly raise a young driver’s profile.
Guia Circuit remains GT racing’s ultimate sprint challenge
The FIA launched the GT World Cup in 2015, and the event has since developed into one of the most prestigious sprint contests for GT3 machinery.
Unlike longer endurance races, Macau demands immediate precision. Drivers must attack the circuit while managing traffic, changing grip levels and extremely limited margins for error.
Moreover, the venue’s contrasting characteristics test every aspect of a GT3 car. The long straights reward power and aerodynamic efficiency, while the mountain section demands balance, traction and driver confidence.
Consequently, manufacturers and teams must find a compromise that delivers speed without sacrificing stability through the circuit’s tightest sections.
Gold and Platinum drivers remain in the overall fight
Although the Silver Cup will add a new contest, Gold and Platinum-rated drivers will continue to compete for the overall FIA GT World Cup title.
The structure will therefore create two closely connected battles. Established professionals will pursue the event’s main honour, while Silver drivers will fight for their own classification and attempt to challenge the overall leaders.
This approach gives emerging competitors meaningful recognition without separating them from the event’s strongest drivers. Instead, they will race within the same field and face the same circuit, conditions and competitive pressure.
Macau Grand Prix programme continues to grow
The FIA GT World Cup will form part of another varied Macau Grand Prix programme in November.
The event will share the schedule with the FIA Formula Regional World Cup, the FIA F4 World Cup, the final round of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour and the Greater Bay Area GT Cup, which will serve as the SRO GT Cup’s GT4 finale.
Meanwhile, 13 two-car teams will contest the third FIA Formula Regional World Cup with the second-generation Tatuus T-326.
The FIA F4 World Cup will also expand its grid from 20 to 24 cars. International Formula 4 teams will enter leading drivers from FIA-certified national championships, replacing the arrive-and-drive format that organisers trialled in 2025.
Registration deadline set for July
Teams and drivers have until 17 July to submit their applications for the 2026 FIA GT World Cup.
The new Silver Cup could broaden the range of competitors seeking a place on the grid. At the same time, the overall category should continue to attract leading manufacturers and experienced GT specialists.
Therefore, the ninth FIA GT World Cup will combine its established elite contest with a new platform for emerging talent when racing begins in Macau from 19–22 November.
